I was back with Nigel Fleming at the weekend for another workshop. This one focused on the sue of Off Camera Flash using flashguns rather than studio lights.

Like a lot of photographic techniques, I’ve played around with this before as part of my “have credit card – will photograph” approach to gear. However, without really knowing what I was doing I fell into the hole of simply using my strobes as studio lights without any real thought about the advantages that little portable lights can actually provide. I’d read a bit of The Strobist over the years, but I’m not a book learner and need to be physically shown for something to sink in.

Sunday was just that sort of day.

We worked through a series of lighting setups, ranging from how to get the most out of an environment without the viewer ever realising there were flashes used through to using flash to make a statement and give a photograph real punch.

Throughout it all, Nigel was helpful and forthcoming with his tips and advice – Like I’ve said before, sign up to his classes (but only after I’ve booked my spot). Complementing Nigel was Sarah, the highly talented and professional model he’d lined up, and Catherine, Nigel’s wife and professional make-up artist.

Here’s some example photographs from the day. (It’s worth pointing out that they have been post processed, but only very slightly).

Both of the above were shot using two flash heads for depth and contrast without over egging the light.

These were shot at lunchtime, in quite a bright street. Lighting here was totally controlled by the flash.